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BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Bring the necessary documents that allow you to immigrate

You should know

Carry the following documents with you. Do not pack them in your suitcases:

• A Canadian immigrant visa for each family member. When you arrive in Canada, make sure a Canadian Immigration officer signs your visa. Your visa is a valuable document and should be kept in a secure place. It proves you are a permanent resident of Canada.
• A valid passport or other travel documents for each family member
• Sufficient funds for short-term living expenses
• Letters from employers and a list of your qualifications and job experience
• Two copies of a detailed list of all personal or household items brought with you and a list of items to follow later. Provide the total value of the goods. When you arrive in Canada, give the list to officials of either Customs or Immigration.

Note: There are strict laws about the types of plants, food and pets you can bring to Canada. Before you leave, inquire at the Canadian diplomatic mission or write to:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Animal Health
Agriculture Canada
59 Camelot Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A OY9
(613) 225-2342 (ext. 4629)

Note: There are also strict laws about the types of possessions you can bring to Canada. Before you leave, inquire at the Canadian diplomatic mission or write to:

Revenue Canada
Customs, Excise And Taxation
Information Services
2265 St. Laurent Buolevard, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4K3
(613) 993-0534

You should also carry the following documents with you:

• Birth or baptismal certificates
• Marriage certificate
• Adoption, separation or divorce papers
• School records, diplomas, degrees
• Trade or professional certificates
• Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records
• Driver's license, as well as International Driver's Permit, and accident record from your insurance company
• Car registration. Cars must meet Canadian safety and pollution control standards. Many cars are not allowed into the country. Contact Transport Canada for more information:

  Transport Canada
  Place de Ville, Tower C
  330 Sparks Street
  Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON5
  (613) 990-2309

Other Things You should Know

• Electrical appliances in Canada are 110-volt, 60-cycle current. Do not bring appliances that cannot use this current
• If you are immigrating to Canada during the winter, you will need warm clothing. Wear an overcoat, hat, boots and gloves. If you come from a warm climate, be ready to buy winter clothes in Canada soon after arriving.
• You may travel outside Canada after you arrive. If you stay away longer than 180 days within a one-year period, you will need to apply for permission to re-enter. Contact a Call Centre for further information on returning resident permits:
  
  • If you live in the Montreal local calling area:  (514) 4961010
  • If you live in the Toronto local calling area:  (416) 9734444
  • If you live in the Vancouver calling area:   (604) 6662171
  • If you are calling from anywhere else in Canada:   1-888-242-2100

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